Vanuatu Expedition

Trip Code: TESV

Why we love it

Meet with the traditional communities of Tanna and learn how these Indigenous villages have incorporated WWII iconography into their religious rituals., Hike to the rim of Mt Yasur, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and in the evening, watch the smoke and lava billowing create a natural fireworks display (from a safe distance, of course)., Snorkel in the clear waters around Pele and see the remarkable coral reef that's protected as part of a marine reserve., Go beyond the walled-off resorts and discover the beauty and cultures of Vanuatu. Hike, paddle, swim and snorkel in some of the most beautiful places in the tropics., Walk through the towering rainforest to find a banyan tree that is said to be the largest in the world, with hundreds of prop roots that support it.

Is this trip right for me?

Your accommodation on Tanna and Pele is in traditional bamboo bungalows. These have standard beds with mosquito nets and bathroom facilities, but showers are cold water only and in places there is no running water. Electricity intermittent or solar only. Your meals on these islands will be home-cooked with love by the village mamas using fresh, organic produce from the gardens and the sea.

Part of travelling with Intrepid is respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people and environments. In Vanuatu, female travellers can be respectful by wearing clothing that covers from shoulder to knee when outside the hotel pool area. An old t-shirt and a pair of board shorts are a good alternative to bikinis for island snorkelling adventures! 

Important information

1. The Group Meeting is at 5 pm on Day 1.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 3 to 6 where you will be in shared accommodation, includes accommodation in Port Vila only, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. You must provide us with a copy of your passport no later than 30 days before your departure in order for us to book the domestic flights included on this trip. We are unable to book your flights without a passport copy.
4. Due to frequent flight delays, we highly recommend allowing additional days in Port Vila before and after your tour and considering flying Virgin or Fiji Airways.

What to bring/pack

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list, WHAT TO BRING
Strong shoes for walking
Reef shoes are strongly recommended when swimming and for boat trips (if you don’t have any, you can hire locally)
Snorkeling gear (or you may hire locally)
Sunhats and suncream
Water bottle. Drinking water on the islands generally comes from rainwater tanks which can be used to refill your water bottle.
Torch
Insect repellent
Personal toiletries including first-aid supplies and some back-up toilet paper. Betadine or peroxide is strongly recommended for immediate treatment of any coral cuts
Earplugs are a good idea if you are a light sleeper or not used to village roosters crowing!
Garbage bag for any rubbish you can take off the islands when you leave
Camera
For women, a sarong to wear over shorts in the villages.
Garbage bag for any rubbish you can take off the islands when you leave

Physical rating

3

Joining your group

Moorings Hotel, Kumul Highway, Port Vila, VANUATU, Phone: 678 26800

Alternate Joining Point


Joining instructions

Finishing your trip

Moorings Hotel, Kumul Highway, Port Vila, VANUATU, Phone: 678 26800

Alternate Finish Point


Meals & dietary information

Breakfasts included: 7

Lunches included: 6

Dinners included: 3

Local people in Vanuatu usually grow most of their own food apart from "luxury" items such as rice or tinned fish. Some specialities include fish curry, lap lap (pounded yams, breadfruit, bananas and taro with coconut cream and a piece of meat such as chicken, beef or pork, wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an underground oven), local snapper and tuluk (tapioca dough with shredded pork). As a former French colony, you can also find some great French cuisine and baked goods around Vanuatu. In village communities, the day might start with a chunky slice of bread and lunch might be a banana leaf-wrapped bundle of rice. For dinner, vegetables from the garden and possibly some fish. Look out for seasonal fruit like pineapples, bananas, pawpaws, grapefruit, coconuts and rose apples.

Climate & seasonal information

SEVERE WEATHER
Natural disasters and severe weather can occur in Vanuatu, including cyclones and flooding. The cyclone season is from November to May. Tropical storms and cyclones can also happen in other months. Flooding and landslides can damage infrastructure and disrupt essential services.

VOLCANOES
Vanuatu has several active volcanoes, including on the island of Tanna.

In case of emergency

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:

Intrepid's Local Partner: +678 5403506 (7am-7pm local time), +678 5576543 (after hours)

Accommodations

Transportation

FLIGHTS
Due to frequent flight delays and cancellations on Air Vanuatu, we highly recommend allowing additional days in Port Vila before and after your tour and considering flying Virgin or Fiji Airways.

Our trips include scheduled flights between islands. In the case of flight cancellations, we will do our best to reschedule and rebook an alternative option if available, however please be prepared that on occasion due to limited aircraft, a charter flight may need to be booked instead, with the additional cost to be covered by the traveller and paid on ground locally.